Posts Categorized: Uncategorized

Plaque vs Tartar: What is the Difference?

Plaque vs Tartar

Plaque vs tartar. You probably know both dental terms. You may even understand that they are both bad for your teeth and oral health. The terms are related but not interchangeable. What’s the Difference Between Plaque vs Tartar? Before your next visit to the dentist, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on some dental terms…. Read more »

Crowns that look real | How to find quality

Crowns that look real

Modern dentistry has come a long way. Now, restorations can completely cover a tooth in a ceramic material that matches natural teeth. Emerging technological advances in porcelain and advanced techniques from master ceramists are allowing crowns that look real to be created. We welcome you to view our Before & After Gallery. You will see dozens… Read more »

How does a smile change with age?

Smile changes with age

While you can certainly limit the effects of aging by keeping up with a healthy diet and lifestyle, smile changes with age are inevitable over time. With that said, should you assume that your teeth will become less bright, and look less healthy, over time? Your smile can certainly be affected over the years if… Read more »

Why do I need a root canal?

Why do I need a root canal?

Restorative dental treatments are typically designed with three main goals in mind – to stop the damage or decay from progressing, restore your bite’s function, and preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. In most cases, all three can be achieved with a minimally invasive, custom-designed treatment such as tooth filling. However, in more… Read more »

Do you need to take a tooth out?

Take a tooth out

Like all dental treatments, tooth extraction is typically a customized procedure that your dentist only recommends when absolutely necessary. Because the treatment involves removing a tooth, however, it can be more complex than other procedures, and in many cases, require further treatment to restore and preserve the rest of your smile. Today, we examine a… Read more »

Most Common Causes of TMJ Disorder?

common causes of TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ disorder, is more common than you may realize. However, many patients who experience it don’t realize that their chronic jaw pain (and other related symptoms) is caused by the disorder. Therefore, they don’t realize that an examination from their dentist could be their best option for finding relief… Read more »

A root canal is needed

a root canal is needed

If your dentist tells you that you need root canal treatment, then you may not immediately think that it’s something to celebrate. After all, the goal of continuous hygiene and dental care is supposed to be to help you avoid serious dental issues and the need for extensive treatment to address them. However, if your… Read more »

How Tooth Bonding Works

How bonding works

Part of the beauty of modern cosmetic tooth bonding is its simplicity. The procedure involves simply bonding tooth-colored composite resin to a specific area of your tooth, then shaping, hardening, and polishing it to match your tooth’s natural appearance. Cosmetic tooth bonding works by concealing or rebuilding blemished tooth structure, but its simplicity is only… Read more »

Are you a teeth grinder?

teeth grinding habit

You may have heard of bruxism, but if you don’t realize how often you grind your teeth, then you might not think it’s something you should worry about. However, for many patients, there’s more to their teeth grinding habit than they realize, and if they ignore it, they could be exposed to a host of… Read more »

Dental Emergency Recommendations

Dealing with a dental emergency

The good news about modern preventive dental care is that you can largely avoid the most common and destructive dental health issues, like cavities and gum disease. However, even the most advanced dental care can’t always help you prevent an emergency situation. If your tooth is significantly damaged, compromised, or knocked out of its socket,… Read more »

What Can Tooth Bonding Actually Do?

What Can Tooth Bonding Do

When your tooth exhibits the type of cosmetic blemish that can’t be erased with teeth-whitening, improving your smile might seem challenging. However, in many cases, cosmetic tooth bonding can successfully fix tooth blemishes almost as quickly and conveniently as teeth-whitening. Bonding is the process of using tooth-colored composite resin to correct issues with your tooth’s… Read more »

Why do I need a crown?

Why do I need a crown?

Dental crowns are so common that you likely know at least one person who has one, if you don’t have one yourself. Today’s crowns are often so lifelike that you may never notice just how many people you know with one, unless they want you to know. A dental crown is called such because it’s… Read more »

Raising the gum line

raising the gum line

Much of cosmetic dentistry focuses on the size, shape, and appearance of your teeth. Yet, your smile’s appearance is also significantly affected by the shape and appearance of your gum line. Excessive or uneven gum tissues that cover a disproportionate amount of your tooth structure can make your smile seem “off” somehow. Fortunately, modern cosmetic… Read more »

Are You Missing Something in Your Dental Hygiene Routine?

Dental hygiene routine

The good thing about dental hygiene these days is that keeping your smile healthy is simpler than it’s ever been. For instance, brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride-enhanced toothpaste, along with flossing every day with tooth-friendly floss, can be enough to keep plaque from clinging to your teeth. However,… Read more »

Is This Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Is tooth extraction necessary

When you’re faced with substantial dental treatment, such as tooth extraction, you may wonder if it’s really the best treatment or if an alternative option may be better for your oral health. At our office, providing expert second opinions is one of the many things that sets us apart, and for patients facing tooth extraction,… Read more »

Why take out wisdom teeth?

Why take out wisdom teeth?

Why do we take out wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the most frequently problematic types of teeth. By the time many people reach their late teens and early twenties, they’ve already begun to grow their last four molars. Unlike the other 28 permanent teeth, third molar extractions are done frequently… Read more »

Toothache causes

Toothache causes

Do you have a toothache? Do you know the causes of toothaches? Given their role in everything from processing your food to enunciating your words, your teeth go through a lot every day. Though they’re the covered in the most resilient substance your body produces (enamel), your teeth are not indestructible. If you haven’t already,… Read more »

Fixing a Cracked Tooth

Fixing a cracked tooth

When you crack a tooth, it usually hurts enough to make visiting your dentist an obvious priority. However, not all cracked teeth are immediately painful, and if you neglect to fix one, it can quickly become even more severely damaged. The good news is that, if you maintain a regular schedule of checkups and cleanings,… Read more »

How to prevent cavities

How to prevent cavities

No parent wants to find out that his or her children are suffering from pesky dental cavities. They can be uncomfortable or downright painful, and left unaddressed they can lead to painful tooth infections or even the need for extraction. Unfortunately, nearly 1/3 of school-aged children in America will struggle with dental decay, like cavities…. Read more »

When you don’t see a dentist

When you don't see a dentist

Ever wondered what would happen when you don’t see a dentist regularly? In other words, have you ever felt tempted to skip out on routine preventive visits with your general dentist? If so, there are many compelling reasons to reconsider. General dental appointments are key to maintaining a healthy smile, particularly as one ages. From… Read more »

Do you always feel cavities?

Do cavities always hurt?

It has affected over 90% of adults in America, and it is the most common chronic disease among school-aged children, yet many people do not even consider it a disease. Nevertheless, once tooth decay causes cavities to form in one or more of your teeth, seeking relief from the discomfort can become top priority fairly… Read more »

Feel confident about your smile

Porcelain Veneers for a Great Smile

As you enter the holiday season, are you feeling a bit insecure about showing off your smile? Holiday parties and family get-togethers are great for catching up with one’s friends and family. Unfortunately, this quality time together can also heighten insecurities about one’s teeth. Fortunately, noticeable imperfections, such as deep staining, discoloration, or disproportionate teeth,… Read more »

Taking Better Care of My Teeth

Take Better Care of Teeth

Preventive dentistry is one of the most important forms of dentistry. There’s a reason why dentists are constantly reminding patients to brush, floss, and to come in for biannual checkups. But why are those things so important to oral health, and how can you take better care of your teeth at home? Those are great… Read more »

Can You Floss Better?

We can all learn to floss better. Particularly for individuals who have porcelain crowns or veneers – or individuals who have brightened their teeth with teeth whitening – daily hygiene means a healthy smile as well as maintaining a sparkling smile. If you have a solid handle on brushing your teeth and you schedule dental cleanings… Read more »

How long do no prep veneers last?

You may have heard of dental veneers. You may even know someone who has them. Dental veneers are usually made of porcelain and are ultra-thin shells that are bonded to the front of your natural teeth. The removal of tooth structure is required to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. This allows the veneer to… Read more »

Adult dental health

Did you know that nearly one-third of American adults have untreated tooth decay. Tooth decay can be painless and unable to detect in its earliest stages accept with dental x-rays or during a dental exam. By the time the cavity becomes painful it is usually at a point where it may need more complex treatment… Read more »

We Can Give You A Healthy Mouth

There was a time when you would brush, floss, and gargle because you wanted white teeth and fresh breath. Today, you brush, floss, and gargle to maintain your health. Not just your oral health, but your overall health. Research has determined that your oral health affects your overall health and those people suffering from periodontal… Read more »

What not to do with dentures

Do you wear dentures? If so, do you wear them to bed? Recent research tells us that if you do, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Wearing dentures to bed can have ill effects on your oral and physical health. In today’s blog, your Lake Forest Dentist, Dr. Fondriest, explains why denture wearers should beware.

Brushing with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a household product that has many uses at home. It can eliminate smells and clean carpets. Baking soda can be found in many toothpastes and teeth-Bleaching products. Using it to remove stains from teeth is common practice. When mixed with lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide, it does an excellent job at removing… Read more »

Oral Health of Ancient Humans

Although modern man is highly advanced in technology, medicine, and the dental arts, the oral health of today is worse than oral health of ancient humans. Although you, as everyone else, would like to believe that modern man has the best oral health in human history, it’s not true. If you’re wondering why, read on.

Vitamins For Gum Health

Do you take vitamins for your gum health? There are various reasons people choose to take vitamins. Some take vitamins to keep their minds sharp, some take vitamins for energy. Women who are expecting are prescribed vitamins to keep them and their baby healthy. Has it ever occurred to you to take vitamins to keep… Read more »

Imperfect Smile | Is it time to learn what is available?

Every smile is unique, and very few of them are naturally perfect. Teeth are prone to stains and discoloration, and thanks to a wide range of varying factors, they can also chip, crack, break, leave odd spaces between each other, or otherwise detract from your smile’s cosmetic appeal. Fortunately, with the advanced techniques and materials… Read more »

Fixing a broken tooth

Although protected by the most resilient substance found within the human body, your teeth aren’t indestructible. In fact, teeth crack and break all the time, which begs the question, just how strong are they, really? The answer is “very strong” if you take proper care of them, meaning more than just brushing and flossing your… Read more »

Imagine a Candy that Fights Cavities!

For a lot of people, the thought of candy automatically invokes thoughts of cavities, and with good reason. Loaded with sugar and sometimes acidic substances, candy is a common contributor to cavities—the holes that form in your teeth when they’re infected with harmful bacteria. Your mouth is an ecological wonderland, with over 600 different identifiable… Read more »

What are Dental Crowns Made Of?

Dental crowns are among the oldest and most popular dental restorations today. A dental crown can improve a smile’s appearance, reinforce its structure, protect it from damage, and in some cases, replace a tooth that’s lost or has to be extracted. Considering the prevalence of dental diseases and damage, there’s a good chance that you… Read more »

Danger of Oral Bacteria

You might recognize how poor oral hygiene can affect your everyday life. Cavities can cause to severe toothaches, gum disease can lead to tooth loss if not treated, and the excessive gathering of bacteria can chronically foul your breath. What you might not realize, however, is how neglecting your teeth and gums to lead to… Read more »

Top Rated Dental Products

Imagine this: you’re in the teeth cleaning aisle of the local drugstore trying to pick out a few items. Toothbrushes, toothpastes, floss, and mouthwashes bombard your vision. Which to choose​,is the question, yet the correct answer doesn’t come to mind. To help his patients avoid situations, such as the one described above, Dr. James Fondriest… Read more »

Dangers of Untreated Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious oral illness that tends to become aggressive rather quickly, which is why the proper treatment must begin as soon as the first indicators of gum disease surface. If not, the consequences can wreak havoc upon your overall and oral health. Dr. James Fondriest explains the dangers of untreated gum disease with… Read more »

Do you have a damaged tooth?

If you feel a toothache when you chew or at random times throughout the day, you could be the victim of cavities that are so advanced that they are opening up your dental nerves to sensations. Untreated tooth decay can spread enough to cause a serious infection called an abscess. Your tooth could literally die and… Read more »

Importance of Roots and Cementum

While a bright smile can boost our confidence, we shouldn’t forget to pay attention to what’s happening to our teeth below the gum line. The roots and cementum of our teeth help keep our smile healthy and beautiful. Dr. James Fondriest, explains the importance of our less visible tooth structure.

Choosing the color of your teeth

What is the Right Shade for Your Smile? Choosing the color of your teeth is one of the most important parts of doing cosmetic dentistry. A bright, gorgeous smile can boost your confidence. Dr. James Fondriest understands what a beautiful smile means to our patients.  Which is why we offer state-of-the-art cosmetic dental procedures to… Read more »

Dental Pulp

  Keeping your teeth bright and free of stains doesn’t just make your smile sparkle. Regular dental hygiene also protects an important part of your teeth that you can’t even see. In today’s blog, your Lake Forest dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, explains he importance of protecting your dental pulp.

Caring for your tongue – How it affects your dental health

Caring for your tongue

When discussing dental care, most people focus on their teeth. While bright, healthy teeth are vital for good dental health, don’t overlook the tongue. Caring for the tongue is important. In addition to being one of the strongest and fastest healing muscles in the human body, the tongue helps maintain good oral hygiene. In today’s… Read more »

Tooth dentin

Have you ever heard of dentin in teeth? Few people realize the importance of this layer of inner tooth structure. Learn the importance of protecting your dentin and preventing tooth decay.

Why we have no immunity against gum bacteria

Do you have reduced immunity against gum bacteria? In the United States, over 75% of adults exhibit symptoms of gum disease. Literally millions of Americans suffer from the affects of periodontal disease. Recently, researchers discovered a new clue as to why this disorder is so widespread. In today’s blog, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how the… Read more »

Preventing Bone Loss

When caring for their smiles, few people consider the importance of a healthy jawbone. In fact, your jawbone helps keep your teeth strong, healthy, and holds them in place. But when a patient fails at replacing missing teeth, they leave their jawbone vulnerable to bone loss. In today’s blog, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how to… Read more »

Bone Retention with Dental Implants

  Did you know that losing a tooth can promote bone loss in your jaw? In addition, traditional dentures can actually make the problem worse, further degrading the bone around the missing teeth. Your Lake Forest dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how dental implants influence jaw bone retention and provide seamless tooth replacement.

What are inlays and onlays?

When you sustain damage to a tooth, you face several restorative treatment choices. Deciding between procedural options may prove daunting. Understanding the subtle but important differences that distinguish dental restorations can help you work with your dentist to choose the right treatment plan. What current dental restorations can you choose from to correct a damaged… Read more »

Best options for missing teeth

Damaged or missing teeth can cause pain, irritate gums, and make your smile unsightly. Maybe a popcorn kernel cracked your tooth, or your mouth took the brunt of a fall. Whatever the case, a broken tooth may expose nerves and heightens the risk for infection. Gaps between teeth cause remaining teeth to drift and leads… Read more »

Infected gums | Fight Gum Inflammation

Have you lived with swollen or infected gums? The experience isn’t fun. Infected gums can swell, bleed, and cause pain. During advanced stages of gum disease, gums can also excrete pus while fighting bacterial infection. When these problems develop,  your oral health obviously needs attention. You might wonder what is happening in your mouth and how to… Read more »

Crazy Toothpaste Flavors

We have all heard about the importance of brushing teeth regularly since we were children. But a lifetime of minty toothpaste may get a little boring. While there are different varieties of mint, and even bubblegum, flavors to choose from, our options aren’t vast. Since we should never stop our brushing routine, maybe some investigation… Read more »

Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Link

There is a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s. Taking care of oral health can delay or reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairments. In honor of Alzheimer’s awareness month, Dr James Fondriest would like to discuss how taking care of your oral health can help delay or reduce the risk entirely of developing cognitive impairments… Read more »

Tooth pain while flying | Barodontalgia

Have you ever heard of a condition called barodontalgia? No, it’s not some exotic location in Europe, but you do have to fly in an airplane to experience it. Unfortunately, unlike a vacation, you probably don’t want barodontalgia. In laymen’s terms, this condition is simply a high-altitude toothache. Similar to a scuba diver experiencing decompression… Read more »

Broken teeth

Do  you have broken teeth? Has your smile’s brightness gradually dimmed over the years? Are your chipped or discolored teeth embarrassing you? Do you have deep smile lines that make you frown? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you could benefit from a smile makeover. What do you do when you… Read more »

Link between gum disease and cancer

Gum disease, or gingivitis, is an inflammatory illness that can lead to more than tooth loss. Researchers have established a connection between gum disease and an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, as well as uncontrolled blood sugar. In a more disturbing development, a recent study has revealed a connection between advanced gum disease (periodontitis) and… Read more »

Facts about Mouthwashes

Mouthwashes or gargling rinses are useful additions to your arsenal in the fight against oral health problems. However, it is a mistake to believe that mouthwash can replace manual plaque and debris removal, such as brushing your teeth and flossing. Dr. Fondriest and his team clarify a few interesting facts about mouthwashes and rinses and… Read more »

Geographic Tongue and Other Conditions by Dr. Fondriest

What is geographic tongue? This oral health condition reflects its name by showing map-like lesions on the tongue. Tastebuds create “island-shaped” red sores where papillae are missing. While some people experience discomfort with geographical tongue, it has not been linked to any serious health conditions. The exact cause of geographic tongue is still unknown but… Read more »

Toothpaste History

The modern consumer now has the option of hundreds of flavors, colors, brands, textures, sizes, and health claims of contemporary toothpastes. Just like most hygiene products, the history of toothpaste had its dark days. Here is brief history of the evolution of toothpaste into the booming industry it has become today. The earliest forms of… Read more »

Tooth Discolorations | Extrinsic and Intrinsic Types

Do you have tooth discoloration? Does your smile appear dull or discolored? Did you know that stains and discoloration can involve both the external parts of your teeth and internal tooth structures? Understanding the cause of tooth discoloration is an important part of assessing your oral health and improving the appearance of your smile. Some… Read more »

How Many Smiles Do You Have?

The average person has about six to eight distinct types of smiles, each one different depending on your mood and situation. Dr. Fondriest can make all your types of smiles look beautiful. Has anyone ever told you that they “can’t read you?” Some people are very readable, meaning their emotions, thoughts, and mood show in… Read more »

Straws Can Protect Your Teeth

straws can protect teeth

Did you know that using straws can protect your teeth? This simple invention can help protect your smile from beverages that can stain or erode your teeth. Drinking from a straw can limit highly acidic drinks from contacting your teeth. It also prevents staining of your front teeth from coffee and tea. Americans drink an… Read more »

Weird Dental Requests

Have you ever asked your dentist to do one of the following? Give your dog braces To let you keep the teeth you have extracted To have an emergency dental cleaning because you’re going to see an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend Give you local anesthesia in your lips to ease the pain during permanent lipstick tattoos… Read more »

Cold sores

Research suggests that over half of the American population is affected by cold sores, but not all show symptoms or know they have contracted the virus that causes these unsightly, painful blisters. With the cold and flu season quickly approaching, cold sores will be showing up on faces even more frequently. Few know the facts… Read more »

Repair Dental Damage

We all remember how the terror of a loose tooth was offset by the subsequent visit from the Tooth Fairy. However, we only get one set of adult permanent teeth, and losing one is hardly a cause for celebration. Proper oral hygiene is the most important part of caring for your teeth, but minimizing and… Read more »

Dental health changes with age

Dental health changes with age

Do you look older than you feel? If you’ve tried anti-aging products but something is still missing, you might need to look at your teeth. Changes in your body when you age can affect your teeth, as can the accumulation of daily wear. Have you thought about addressing your age related dental health changes? Dr…. Read more »